Enhancing Pseudomonas syringae pv. Actinidiae sensitivity in kiwifruit by repressing the NBS-LRR genes through miRNA-215-3p and miRNA-29-3p identification.

Kiwifruit bacterial canker, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (PSA), poses a grave threat to the global kiwifruit industry. In this study, we examined the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in kiwifruit's response to PSA. Kiwifruit seedlings subjected to PSA treatment showed significant changes in both miRNA and gene expression compared to the control group. We identified 364 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and 7170 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Further analysis revealed 180 miRNAs negatively regulating 641 mRNAs. Notably, two miRNAs from the miRNA482 family, miRNA-215-3p and miRNA-29-3p, were found to increase kiwifruit's sensitivity to PSA when overexpressed. These miRNAs were linked to the regulation of NBS-LRR target genes, shedding light on their role in kiwifruit's defence against PSA. This study offers insights into the miRNA482-NBS-LRR network as a crucial component in enhancing kiwifruit bioresistance to PSA infestation and provides promising candidate genes for further research.

Wide-Range Excitation-Dependent Phosphorescence of Coordination Polymers Exhibiting Dynamic Anticounterfeiting, White-Light Emission, and Antibacterial Performance.

Multicolor-tunable room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) is attracting wide attention in optoelectronic applications. Here, we propose a coordination-oriented assembly approach to achieve wide-range RTP with a benzimidazole derivative (2,7-diazabenzimidazole, DZBIM) as a luminogen. These two compounds exhibit unexpected excitation-responsive RTP emission, and the phosphorescence emission nearly covers the entire visible region with the change of the excitation wavelength from 360 to 620 nm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of coordination polymers with such a full-color-tunable RTP. Compound 1 also shows white-light emission upon excitation at 280 nm. Experimental and theoretical results demonstrate that multiple intermolecular interactions and emission centers from different aggregates are responsible for the generation of multicolor emission. The white-light emission and multiple anticounterfeiting are explored. Besides, compound 1 exhibits high antibacterial activity benefiting from efficient 1O2 generation. This work provides an efficient way to prepare a color-tunable RTP.

ERP29 regulates the proliferation of endometrial carcinoma via M6A modification.

AIMS: Endoplasmic reticulum protein 29 (ERP29) is crucial for endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). M6A plays an important role in the progression of endometrial cancer (EC). The study investigated the role of ERS-related gene (ERP29) and m6A in EC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We screened ERS-related genes based on the GEO dataset, GSEA dataset and TCGA-UCEC database using WGCNA and two machine learning algorithms. The m6A-related GEO dataset was employed to identify the ERS-related hub genes with m6A. Expression of hub genes in different cell types were visualize through scRNA-seq data analyzing. Using qPCR, Western blot, and Immunohistochemical assays to detect the expression of ERP29, the effect of ERP29 on cancer cell proliferation was investigated through CCK8, EdU and clone formation experiments. M6A modifications were studied using m6A Dot blot and MeRIP-qPCR. Finally, we conducted rescue experiments. KEY FINDINGS: Ten ERS-related hub genes with m6A were identified. ERP29 is highly expressed in EC. ERP29 knockdown inhibits EC cell proliferation. METTL3 overexpression increases the ERP29 mRNA m6A and decreases the expression of ERP29. Cycloleucine (Cyc), a nucleic acid methylation inhibitor, treatment reduces ERP29 mRNA m6A and increases the expression of ERP29. Cyc rescue the low expression of ERP29 caused by overexpression of METTL3 through m6A. ERP29 knockdown rescued the increased proliferation of EC cells caused by low m6A. SIGNIFICANCE: ERP29 is highly expressed in EC. m6A regulates ERP29 expression and affects the proliferation of endometrial cancer cells. This represents the premise for applying ERP29 and m6A modifications in diagnosing and treating EC.

Boosting Interfacial Electron Transfer and CO2 Enrichment on ZIF-8/ZnTe for Selective Photoelectrochemical Reduction of CO2 to CO.

Artificial photosynthesis is an effective way of converting CO2 into fuel and high value-added chemicals. However, the sluggish interfacial electron transfer and adsorption of CO2 at the catalyst surface strongly hamper the activity and selectivity of CO2 reduction. Here, we report a photocathode attaching zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) onto a ZnTe surface to mimic an aquatic leaf featuring stoma and chlorophyll for efficient photoelectrochemical conversion of CO2 into CO. ZIF-8 possessing high CO2 adsorption capacity and diffusivity has been selected to enrich CO2 into nanocages and provide a large number of catalytic active sites. ZnTe with high light-absorption capacity serves as a light-absorbing layer. CO2 molecules are collected in large nanocages of ZIF-8 and delivered to the ZnTe surface. As evidenced by scanning electrochemical microscopy, the interface can effectively boost interfacial electron transfer kinetics. The ZIF-8/ZnTe photocathode with unsaturated Zn-Nx sites exhibits a high Faradaic efficiency for CO production of 92.9% and a large photocurrent of 6.67 mA·cm-2 at -2.48 V (vs Fc/Fc+) in a nonaqueous electrolyte at AM 1.5G solar irradiation (100 mW·cm-2).

Temporal variations in absorption and translocation of heavy metal(loid)s in pak choi (Brassica rapa L.) under open-field and greenhouse cultivation.

Elucidating the absorption and translocation of heavy metal(loid)s by common vegetables across different growth environments and stages is crucial for conducting accurate environmental risk assessments and for associated control. This study investigated temporal variations in the absorption and translocation capacities of pak choi (Brassica rapa L.) for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn in polluted soils during the plant growth cycle under greenhouse and open-field cultivation modes. Results showed high root metal(loid) bioconcentration factors and root-to-shoot translocation factors for Cd (0.25 and 1.44, respectively) and Zn (0.26 and 1.01), but low values for As (0.06 and 0.88) and Pb (0.06 and 0.87). The Cd concentration in the aerial edible parts peaked during the early slow growth period, whereas other heavy metal(loid)s peaked during the later stable maturity period. Root bioconcentration and root-to-shoot translocation factors did not significantly differ between cultivation modes. However, greenhouse cultivation exhibited lower average Cd and Zn concentrations in the edible parts and cumulative uptake amounts of most metal(loid)s than open-field cultivation during the typical harvest period spanning days 60 and 90. Short-term transitioning from open-field to greenhouse cultivation may reduce health risks associated with heavy metal(loid) intake via pak choi consumption. These findings facilitate sustainable agricultural practices and food safety management.

Updates on Hydrogen Value Chain: A Strategic Roadmap.

A strategic roadmap for noncarbonized fuels is a global priority, and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions is a key focus of the Paris Agreement to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures. In this context, hydrogen is a promising noncarbonized fuel, but the pace of its implementation will depend on the engineering advancements made at each step of its value chain. To accelerate its adoption, various applications of hydrogen across industries, transport, power, and building sectors have been identified, where it can be used as a feedstock, fuel, or energy carrier and storage. However, widespread usage of hydrogen will depend on its political, industrial, and social acceptance. It is essential to carefully assess the hydrogen value chain and compare it with existing solar technologies. The major challenge to widespread adoption of hydrogen is its cost as outlined in the roadmap for hydrogen. It needs to be produced at the levelized cost of hydrogen of less than $2 kg-1 to be competitive with the established process of steam methane reforming. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of each step of the hydrogen value chain, outlining both the current challenges and recent advances.

Encapsulation engineering of porous crystalline frameworks for delayed luminescence and circularly polarized luminescence.

Delayed luminescence (DF), including phosphorescence and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) exhibit common and broad application prospects in optoelectronic displays, biological imaging, and encryption. Thus, the combination of delayed luminescence and circularly polarized luminescence is attracting increasing attention. The encapsulation of guest emitters in various host matrices to form host-guest systems has been demonstrated to be an appealing strategy to further enhance and/or modulate their delayed luminescence and circularly polarized luminescence. Compared with conventional liquid crystals, polymers, and supramolecular matrices, porous crystalline frameworks (PCFs) including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent-organic frameworks (COFs), zeolites and hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) can not only overcome shortcomings such as flexibility and disorder but also achieve the ordered encapsulation of guests and long-term stability of chiral structures, providing new promising host platforms for the development of DF and CPL. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and critical summary of the recent progress in host-guest photochemistry via the encapsulation engineering of guest emitters in PCFs, particularly focusing on delayed luminescence and circularly polarized luminescence. Initially, the general principle of phosphorescence, TADF and CPL, the combination of DF and CPL, and energy transfer processes between host and guests are introduced. Subsequently, we comprehensively discuss the critical factors affecting the encapsulation engineering of guest emitters in PCFs, such as pore structures, the confinement effect, charge and energy transfer between the host and guest, conformational dynamics, and aggregation model of guest emitters. Thereafter, we summarize the effective methods for the preparation of host-guest systems, especially single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SC-SC) transformation and epitaxial growth, which are distinct from conventional methods based on amorphous materials. Then, the recent advancements in host-guest systems based on PCFs for delayed luminescence and circularly polarized luminescence are highlighted. Finally, we present our personal insights into the challenges and future opportunities in this promising field.

Hierarchical chiral MOFs with the induced chirality of AIE ligands exhibiting non-reciprocal CPL.

Two pairs of chiral MOFs with hierarchical chiral structures were constructed through assembly of achiral AIE-type multidentate linkers and chiral camphoric acid. Non-reciprocal circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) can be observed on the macroscopic due to the coexistence of optical anisotropic and chiroptical nature. This study provides a new perspective to recognize and construct chiral crystalline materials.

EPAS1, a hypoxia- and ferroptosis-related gene, promotes malignant behaviour of cervical cancer by ceRNA and super-enhancer.

Hypoxia and Ferroptosis are associated with the malignant behaviour of cervical cancer. Endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1 (EPAS1) contributes to the progression of cervical cancer. EPAS1 plays important roles in hypoxia and ferroptosis. Using the GEO dataset, machine-learning algorithms were used to screen for hypoxia- and ferroptosis-related genes (HFRGs) in cervical cancer. EPAS1 was identified as the hub gene. qPCR and WB were used to investigate the expression of EPAS1 in normal and cervical cancer tissues. The proliferation, invasion and migration of EPAS1 cells in HeLa and SiHa cell lines were detected using CCK8, transwell and wound healing assays, respectively. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. A dual-luciferase assay was used to analyse the MALAT1-miR-182-5P-EPAS1 mRNA axis and core promoter elements of the super-enhancer. EPAS1 was significantly overexpressed in cervical cancer tissues. EPAS1 could increase the proliferation, invasion, migration of HeLa and SiHa cells and reduce the apoptosis of HeLa and SiHa cell. According to the double-luciferase assay, EPAS1 expression was regulated by the MALAT1-Mir-182-5p-EPAS1 mRNA axis. EPAS1 is associated with super-enhancers. Double-luciferase assay showed that the core elements of the super-enhancer were E1 and E3. EPAS1, an HFRG, is significantly overexpressed in cervical cancer. EPAS1 promotes malignant behaviour of cervical cancer cells. EPAS1 expression is regulated by super-enhancers and the MALAT1-miR-182-5P- EPAS1 mRNA axis. EPAS1 may be a target for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Poststroke Dysphagia: A Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with stroke, poststroke dysphagia (PSD) is a common complication that plays an important role in morbidity and mortality. The aim of this paper was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of PSD using a systemic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for potentially eligible studies published until September 2023. Further, the pooled incidence and risk factors for PSD were determined using a random-effects model. Overall, 58 studies involving 37,404 patients with acute stroke were selected for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: The pooled incidence of PSD in patients with acute stroke was 42% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 36-48%), which is the highest in South America (47%) and lowest in Asia (37%). Notably, older age (odds ratio [OR]: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.53-2.97; p < 0.001), hypertension (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.06-1.44; p = 0.007), diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.04-1.44; p = 0.014), stroke history (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.04-1.53; p = 0.019), and atrial fibrillation (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.02-2.44; p = 0.039) were found to be associated with an increased risk of PSD. Conversely, sex differences, smoking, alcoholism, obesity, hyperlipidemia, ischemic heart disease, stroke type, and the hemisphere affected were not associated with the risk of PSD. CONCLUSION: The abstract reports the prevalence of PSD in patients with acute stroke and identified potential risk factors for PSD, including older age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, stroke history, and atrial fibrillation.

High carrier mobility along the [111] orientation in Cu2O photoelectrodes.

Solar fuels offer a promising approach to provide sustainable fuels by harnessing sunlight1,2. Following a decade of advancement, Cu2O photocathodes are capable of delivering a performance comparable to that of photoelectrodes with established photovoltaic materials3-5. However, considerable bulk charge carrier recombination that is poorly understood still limits further advances in performance6. Here we demonstrate performance of Cu2O photocathodes beyond the state-of-the-art by exploiting a new conceptual understanding of carrier recombination and transport in single-crystal Cu2O thin films. Using ambient liquid-phase epitaxy, we present a new method to grow single-crystal Cu2O samples with three crystal orientations. Broadband femtosecond transient reflection spectroscopy measurements were used to quantify anisotropic optoelectronic properties, through which the carrier mobility along the [111] direction was found to be an order of magnitude higher than those along other orientations. Driven by these findings, we developed a polycrystalline Cu2O photocathode with an extraordinarily pure (111) orientation and (111) terminating facets using a simple and low-cost method, which delivers 7 mA cm-2 current density (more than 70% improvement compared to that of state-of-the-art electrodeposited devices) at 0.5 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode under air mass 1.5 G illumination, and stable operation over at least 120 h.

Resveratrol protects against myocardial ischemic injury in obese mice via activating SIRT3/FOXO3a signaling pathway and restoring redox homeostasis.

BACKGROUND: Increasing global overweight and obesity rates not only increase the prevalence of myocardial infarction (MI), but also exacerbate ischemic injury and result in worsened prognosis. Currently, there are no drugs that can reverse myocardial damage once MI has occurred, therefore discovering drugs that can potentially limit the extent of ischemic damage to the myocardium is critical. Resveratrol is a polyphenol known for its antioxidant properties, however whether prolonged daily intake of resveratrol during obesity can protect against MI-induced damage remains unexplored. METHODS: We established murine models of obesity via high-fat/high-fructose diet, along with daily administrations of resveratrol or vehicle, then performed surgical MI to examine the effects and mechanisms of resveratrol in protecting against myocardial ischemic injury. RESULTS: Daily administration of resveratrol in obese mice robustly protected against myocardial ischemic injury and improved post-MI cardiac function. Resveratrol strongly inhibited oxidative and DNA damage via activating SIRT3/FOXO3a-dependent antioxidant enzymes following MI, which were completely prevented upon administration of 3-TYP, a selective SIRT3 inhibitor. Hence, the cardioprotective effects of prolonged resveratrol intake in protecting obese mice against myocardial ischemic injury was due to reestablishment of intracellular redox homeostasis through activation of SIRT3/FOXO3a signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide important new evidence that supports the daily intake of resveratrol, especially in those overweight or obese, which can robustly decrease the extent of ischemic damage following MI. Our study therefore provides new mechanistic insight and suggests the therapeutic potential of resveratrol as an invaluable drug in the treatment of ischemic heart diseases.

Application of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose to improve the wettability of chitosan coating and its preservation performance on tangerine fruits.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was employed as an intermediate layer to enhance interfacial interaction between chitosan (CS) coating and tangerine fruits, thereby improving the preservation effect. Owing to the low surface tension of tangerine fruit (26.04 mN/m), CS coating solutions showed poor wetting properties on fruit peels (contact angle > 100°). However, by applying a 1.0 % (w/v) HPMC coating on fruits, the contact angle of CS solutions with concentrations of 0.5 %, 1.0 %, and 1.5 % (w/v) decreased to 47.0°, 47.4°, and 48.5°, respectively, whereas the spreading coefficient increased to -16.0 mN/m, -17.6 mN/m and -19.8 mN/m, respectively. Subsequently, the effects of the coatings on fruit quality were investigated. The results demonstrated the promising performance of HPMC-CS two-layer coating in inhibiting fruit respiration, reducing decay rate, and maintaining nutrient content. Notably, HPMC-1.5%CS coating not only reduced the decay rate of tangerine fruit by 45 % and 31 %, in comparison to the uncoated group (CK) and pure CS coating respectively, but also maintained a high content of ascorbic acid. Therefore, this study confirmed that the use of amphiphilic polymers for improving the surface properties of fruits can effectively facilitate the wetting of hydrophilic coatings on fruits, and significantly improve the fresh-keeping performance of edible coatings.

The association of prealbumin, transferrin, and albumin with immunosenescence among elderly males.

OBJECTIVE: As people get older, the innate and acquired immunity of the elderly are affected, resulting in immunosenescence. Prealbumin (PAB), transferrin (TRF), and albumin (ALB) are commonly used markers to monitor protein energy malnutrition (PEM). However, their relationship with the immune system has not been fully explored. METHODS: In our study, a total of 93 subjects (≥65 years) were recruited from Tongji Hospital between January 2015 and February 2017. According to the serum levels of these proteins (PAB, TRF, and ALB), we divided the patients into the high serum protein group and the low serum protein group. Then, we compared the percent expression of lymphocyte subsets between two groups. RESULTS: All the low serum protein groups (PAB, TRF, and ALB) had significant decreases in the percentage of CD4+ cells, CD3+CD28+ cells, CD4+CD28+ cells and significant increases in the percentage of CD8+ cells, CD8+CD28- cells. PAB, TRF, and ALB levels revealed positive correlations with CD4/CD8 ratio, proportions of CD4+ cells, CD3+CD28+ cells, CD4+CD28+ cells, and negative correlation with proportions of CD8+ cells, CD8+CD28- cells. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested PAB, TRF, and ALB could be used as immunosenescence indicators. PEM might accelerate the process of immunosenescence in elderly males.

Polylactic acid-based microcapsules for moisture-triggered release of chlorine dioxide and its application in cherry tomatoes preservation.

Polylactic acid (PLA)-based microcapsules, capable of releasing chlorine dioxide (ClO2) upon exposure to moisture, have been developed for fruits and vegetables preservation. The microcapsules were prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation, utilizing PLA as the wall material, and NaClO2 as the core material. After optimization, NaClO2 microcapsules exhibited an encapsulation efficiency of 55.75% and an average particle size of 498.08 µm. Citric acid microcapsules were prepared using the same process, but with citric acid as the core material. When the two kinds of microcapsules were mixed, gaseous ClO2 was released in a highly humid environment. The release rate could be adjusted by temperature and the ratio between the two microcapsules, and the release period could be as long as 17 days at 20 °C. With a certain amount of microcapsules placed in the package of cherry tomatoes, the decay rate and weight loss rate of the fruits were reduced by 63 % and 34 %, respectively, compared to the control group. The microcapsules also helped to maintain the good appearance, hardness, and the content of total soluble solid content and titratable acid content of cherry tomatoes. Therefore, the PLA-based microcapsules have satisfied convenience and effectiveness for application in fruit and vegetables preservation.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate promotes wound healing response in diabetic mice by activating keratinocytes and promoting re-epithelialization.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disorder that causes numerous complications including impaired wound healing and poses a significant challenge for the management of diabetic patients. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a natural polyphenol that exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative benefits in skin wounds, however, the direct effect of EGCG on epidermal keratinocytes, the primary cells required for re-epithelialization in wound healing remains unknown. Our study aims to examine the underlying mechanisms of EGCG's ability to promote re-epithelialization and wound healing in T2D-induced wounds. Murine models of wound healing in T2D were established via feeding high-fat high-fructose diet (HFFD) and the creation of full-thickness wounds. Mice were administered daily with EGCG or vehicle to examine the wound healing response and underlying molecular mechanisms of EGCG's protective effects. Systemic administration of EGCG in T2D mice robustly accelerated the wound healing response following injury. EGCG induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and promoted cytokeratin 16 (K16) expression to activate epidermal keratinocytes and robustly promoted re-epithelialization of wounds in diabetic mice. Further, EGCG demonstrated high binding affinity with Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), thereby inhibiting KEAP1-mediated degradation of NRF2. Our findings provide important evidence that EGCG accelerates the wound healing response in diabetic mice by activating epidermal keratinocytes, thereby promoting re-epithelialization of wounds via K16/NRF2/KEAP1 signaling axis. These mechanistic insights into the protective effects of EGCG further suggest its therapeutic potential as a promising drug for treating chronic wounds in T2D.

Inhibition of a novel Dickkopf-1-LDL receptor-related proteins 5 and 6 axis prevents diabetic cardiomyopathy in mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Anti-hypertensive agents are one of the most frequently used drugs worldwide. However, no blood pressure-lowering strategy is superior to placebo with respect to survival in diabetic hypertensive patients. Previous findings show that Wnt co-receptors LDL receptor-related proteins 5 and 6 (LRP5/6) can directly bind to several G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Because angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) is the most important GPCR in regulating hypertension, this study examines the possible mechanistic association between LRP5/6 and their binding protein Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) and activation of the AT1R and further hypothesizes that the LRP5/6-GPCR interaction may affect hypertension and potentiate cardiac impairment in the setting of diabetes. METHODS: The roles of serum DKK1 and DKK1-LRP5/6 signalling in diabetic injuries were investigated in human and diabetic mice. RESULTS: Blood pressure up-regulation positively correlated with serum DKK1 elevations in humans. Notably, LRP5/6 physically and functionally interacted with AT1R. The loss of membrane LRP5/6 caused by injection of a recombinant DKK1 protein or conditional LRP5/6 deletions resulted in AT1R activation and hypertension, as well as ß-arrestin1 activation and cardiac impairment, possibly because of multiple GPCR alterations. Importantly, unlike commonly used anti-hypertensive agents, administration of the anti-DKK1 neutralizing antibody effectively prevented diabetic cardiac impairment in mice. CONCLUSIONS: These findings establish a novel DKK1-LRP5/6-GPCR pathway in inducing diabetic injuries and may resolve the long-standing conundrum as to why elevated blood DKK1 has deleterious effects. Thus, monitoring and therapeutic elimination of blood DKK1 may be a promising strategy to attenuate diabetic injuries.

Efficient Cu2O Photocathodes for Aqueous Photoelectrochemical CO2 Reduction to Formate and Syngas.

Photoelectrochemical carbon dioxide reduction (PEC-CO2R) represents a promising approach for producing renewable fuels and chemicals using solar energy. However, attaining even modest solar-to-fuel (STF) conversion efficiency often necessitates the use of costly semiconductors and noble-metal catalysts. Herein, we present a Cu2O/Ga2O3/TiO2 photocathode modified with Sn/SnOx catalysts through a simple photoelectrodeposition method. It achieves a remarkable half-cell STF efficiency of ∼0.31% for the CO2R in aqueous KHCO3 electrolyte, under AM 1.5 G illumination. The system enables efficient production of syngas (FE: ∼62%, CO/H2 ≈ 1:2) and formate (FE: ∼38%) with a consistent selectivity over a wide potential range, from +0.34 to -0.16 V vs the reversible hydrogen electrode. We ascribe the observed performance to the favorable optoelectronic characteristics of our Cu2O heterostructure and the efficient Sn/SnOx catalysts incorporated in the PEC-CO2R reactions. Through comprehensive experimental investigations, we elucidate the indispensable role of Cu2O buried p-n junctions in generating a high photovoltage (∼1 V) and enabling efficient bulk charge separation (up to ∼70% efficiency). Meanwhile, we discover that the deposited Sn/SnOx catalysts have critical dual effects on the overall performance of the PEC devices, serving as active CO2R catalysts as well as the semiconductor front contact. It could facilitate interfacial electron transfer between the catalysts and the semiconductor device for CO2R by establishing a barrier-free ohmic contact.

From the West to the East: an evidence-based educational reform for modern medical students in traditional Chinese medicine learning.

Introduction: Generally, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) courses are now given to modern medicine students without proper course scheduling, resulting in poor teaching results. Methods: To analyze the main factors affecting TCM learning, we surveyed the medical students and TCM teachers from Xiangya School of Medicine of Central South University via online questionnaires. The questionnaire comprised two parts, the students' part included the basic information, the subjective cognition in TCM, the attitude toward TCM course arrangements, and the attitude toward curriculum content and the design of TCM. The teachers' part included the basic information, the attitudes and opinions on TCM course arrangements, and suggestions and views on TCM teaching reform. The related data were collected from 187 medical students divided into two groups, namely, clinical medical students and non-clinical medical students. Results: We found a more positive attitude toward TCM [including "Scientific nature of TCM" (P = 0.03) and "Necessity for modern medicine students to learn TCM" (P = 0.037)] in clinical medical students compared with non-clinical medical students, clinical and non-clinical medical students tended to find TCM courses difficult, and the students prefer clinical training to be better than theoretical teaching, while the teachers believe that lecture-based education should have a more significant proportion. Discussion: Hence, to optimize the current TCM teaching, we conducted education reform, including differentiated teaching, hybrid teaching, and selective teaching.